Have a Little Fun!

Instant Noodles and Metabolic Syndrome: Not-So-Tasty for Women

the MPR take:

A staple in the diet of many college students could increase the risk of metabolic syndrome in women, independent of major dietary patterns. A study in the Journal of Nutrition analyzed the diets of 10,711 adults in Korea ages 19–64 using a 63-item food-frequency questionnaire to assess cardiometabolic risk associated with a higher intake of instant noodles. Two major dietary patterns were identified for the analysis: a traditional diet rich in rice, fish, vegetables, fruit, and potatoes and a diet with less rice intake and rich in meat, soda, fried food, and fast food (including instant noodles). Consuming foods from the unhealthy dietary group was associated with an increased prevalence of abdominal obesity, LDL cholesterol, decreased prevalence of low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides. While those consuming foods from the healthier dietary group had lower elevated blood pressure and abdominal obesity, neither dietary pattern was linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. However, consumption of instant noodles ≥2 times per week was associated with a greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women only. While an inexpensive meal or snack, women at risk of metabolic syndrome may want to replace this convenience food with a healthier option.

Instant Noodles and Metabolic Syndrome: Not-So-Tasty for Women

Abstract: The consumption of instant noodles is relatively high in Asian populations. It is unclear whether a higher intake of instant noodles is associated with cardiometabolic risk independent of overall dietary patterns.